Spacey Blak talks writing block immunity and the beauty of a blank slate

Photo credit: Mathieu Ajan

Hailing from London town, Hackey-based artist Spacey Blak is well versed in the art of sonically storming production. Armed with a distinct lyrical depth, if he were to put ‘Alchemist’ at the top of his resumé, nobody could question it. With credits under his belt including Jaz Karis, Taliwhoah, Nipah and Airborn Gav over a decade of honing his production skills; as well as delivering single ‘Pounded Yam’ earlier this month, Spacey Blak now returns with his debut EP ‘Space Cassette: Cosmo Love Volume I’.

Spacey Blak sat down with No Lip Service following the release of his debut EP, speaking on his creative process, places from which he draws inspiration and how he defines success. Giving us a much anticipated insight into his headspace, join us for a chat with the fast-rising wordsmith.

Hey Spacey, how are you doing?

I’m feeling amazing, feeling grand, excited to be alive and excited for the things to come!

Your latest release ‘Pounded Yam’ has dropped just in time for the warmer season, would you tell us a little bit about how you created it?

"Let me pound some yam tonight" was the first line that came to me while

listening to a loop I'd created. I instantly knew what the song was going to be

about and the rest of the lyrics quickly ensued. I recorded a demo and produced

the song til' it felt right. I want to create a feel-good love song drenched in two

things very dear to me... food & culture.

Your background in the music industry is definitely an interesting one, you have artist credits from r’n’b songstresses Jaz Karis and Taliwhoah plus many more. What was it that made you make the bold move into the spotlight?

Great question! There were a number of factors that contributed to this move. I always felt limitations producing and writing for others and almost no control over the release of music. But my house being robbed was the major catalyst here, I lost all my music as a result. I almost stopped creating and I quickly realised the opportunity of a blank slate that was before me and decided to continue my musical journey but on my own terms.

Now we’ve got a few fun quick-fire questions for you, are you ready?

Let’s goooo!

Photo credit: Mathieu Ajan

As you champion your London roots, do you find your background influences your output in any unexpected ways?

Yeah. Whilst recording the project there were several comments around my tonality of and confidence being reminiscent of old-school UK rap. Which was surprising but very pleasing to hear.

What is your favourite time of day to create?

Honestly, I don't have a favourite time of the day to create. I don't have a schedule for being creative but lately, I've been doing late nights and early mornings.

Where do you seek inspiration?

Everywhere and everything all at the same time.

What’s the most weird and wonderful thing about your creative process?

I'm inspired by anything and everything at the same time, so I never feel pressure to create and I don't experience "writing blocks".

If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

Probably mainstage Donauinselfest. Three million people, it's a no-brainer.

If you had to sacrifice one skill, which would you least like to let go, and why?

Producing! Have you heard how good I am?! Hahahaha. Having an ear for music makes all the difference. It's a major part of making decent music, great music.

How do you define success as an artist?

Success as an artist is getting more out than you put in. If making music as an artist allows me to change my life and the lives of my family and friends then that is success. How do you see your sound evolving in the next couple of years?

I think that's a difficult question as I don't who/what will influence me next and how it will affect my output. But excited to see how experiences like fatherhood might

impact my music.

Spacey Blak's debut EP 'Space Cassette: Cosmo Love Volume I' is out now. Check it out below: